Spread the Love Update

It has been a while since the culmination of my Spread the Love event that happened in February this year. (If this is the first you heard of it, you can read more here and here.) I wanted to share an update with you.

First of all, Amy, owner and creator of A Doll Like Me, continues to receive quilts regularly. She is grateful beyond words for all of the quilts, doll clothes and financial contributions she has received because of all of you quilters! The unique creativity and incredible energies put into the quilts is really wonderful. The notes sent by some of you with the quilts and other donations have been really special. Many of you relate to Amy’s work in a special way due to situations in your family. Others have expressed deep joy and gratitude to have such a special cause to sew for. It has added meaning to the process of quilting for for many of you which makes quilting even more special!

So far Amy has distributed over 50 quilts. This amazes me since it is only April so she hasn’t had the quilts for very long yet. She gave many to children for whom she didn’t have a quilt available when she sent their dolls. It was such a happy surprise for the kids to receive something new for their Doll Like Me.

She sent some quilts to a family in Europe who had adopted a child with limb differences from an orphanage in Romania. This little one is seven years old, yet had no experience with dolls and playing with, or taking care of, them. They taught her to wrap up her baby in her quilt. Isn’t it wonderful to think she is playing with and caring for her baby in a quilt one of you made? I love it!

We never know exactly how a quilt sent to a child will be used. But in this family, their sweet girl sleeps under hers with her dolly next to her. She looks so cozy!

This is the doll that was sent with the patchwork quilt you see covering the child in her crib.

Another child who received a quilt was a boy of about ten years. He suffered a terrible burn and has had many, many surgeries and still has many to endure. He loves sports so Amy made his Doll Like Me to have similar scarring, plus a basketball jersey and shoes. Of course she sent a quilt that was sport themed.

When in the hospital, naturally he brings his doll but for this the doll wears a hospital gown, just like his owner! This provides some comfort, a fun distraction and a great reflection of himself in the doll.

I love that the doll has the necessary wardrobe for being home and feeling good as well as being in the hospital. Isn’t it wonderful?

I was curious about how Amy managed to mimic the scarring on the doll so he could be just like the boy.

She said she uses a mix of paints, both latex and fabric paint., as well as alcohol markers and makeup! Pretty creative.

I am so happy that Amy stays in touch with me. A number of you have volunteered to make a specially themed quilt for a child who might need it. She really appreciates it. I am going to try to make some doll outfits for her soon. She gave me some measurements for the dolls she creates. I think it will be fun to sew a few things for them. Thanks to all of you who made quilts or gowns and who continue to do so. You are a special bunch of people!! Thank you for all of your generosity.

Amazing!! thank you Bernie for being the impetus for this push. Amy has elevated her endeavor as a result of all this love and sharing of skills. What a difference a little needle and thread can make. She is an angel artist with these dolls!

No problem Louise. I think the stories Amy tells me are both heart-warming and sad all at the same time. It is good to share them because we need to support those who face difficulties in life and our community is so generous in this way.

I really love seeing the dolls and quilts with their new owners! Thanks for sharing more stories with us! I hope you will continue to do this and I’m looking forward to seeing some dollies with your doll clothes on them! 🙂

You are welcome and I am glad you saw the post Darlene! How exciting to hear about your kids. Were they biological siblings? How old were they when you adopted them? Take care and have a wonderful week.

Few people know this….but I have been known to sneak into my sewing area and just sit and look through the quilts that people have sent. I find it very relaxing and very comforting…so I can only imagine what they mean to families who receive them.
This quilt campaign (for lack of a better word) blew my mind. It came at a time when I needed to see the good in people and boy, you guys didn’t disappoint! Quilters are some of the most creative and generous people there are.
Many of you have sent notes with your quilts, which I have tucked away in a special folder. I am so glad that this has touched you and moved you to “do something.” I believe that we are all called to do something to help. Know that you have touched many people, including me.
Amy

Welcome to Needle and Foot!

I am Bernie, a wife, mom, quilter, fabric shop owner, and gardener, living in the Sierra Foothills of Northern California. My blog features my quilting, sewing and crafting experiences as well as a bit of random family musings. Glad you have stopped by!

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